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Need a Dental Implant?
Tooth loss can have a number of negative effects on a patient’s oral health and self-esteem. Many patients who are missing one or several teeth feel self-conscious in social situations and experience discomfort on a daily basis. At Durán and Martínez Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentistry, we understand the physical and emotional stresses that tooth loss can bring, and we provide the very best restorative dental care to help patients restore their oral health, appearance and confidence. Our doctor’s team is proud to offer dental implants restorations to our patients.
We are very excited to now have our own Periodontist, Dr. Natalia Gil, as part of our doctor’s team, to be able to perform implant surgery. Learn more about dental implants and restorations below and contact the practice at 787-302-0863 today to schedule a consultation.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most comprehensive solution to tooth loss currently available. In the past, patients who experienced tooth loss only had the option of dentures to restore their smile. While dentures are an effective treatment, many patients were displeased with problems such as slipping or mouth sores. Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent, immovable structures that can help patients maintain the health and beauty of their smiles after tooth loss. A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically implanted in the jawbone to act as a replacement tooth root. This provides unparalleled stability and comfort. After dental implants have fused to the bone, a synthetic restoration such as a dental crown is placed over the implant to provide a beautiful, natural-looking appearance. By replacing lost teeth, dental implants also prevent a number of oral health problems such as gum recession, bone deterioration and jaw misalignment. Dental implants can be placed on a single tooth, or on several teeth during a full mouth reconstruction.
Dental Implants are permanent, immovable structures that can help patients maintain the health and beauty of their smiles...
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Patients who have lost one or more of their teeth may consider dental implants to enhance the appearance of their smile and preserve their long-term oral health. Although dental implants are an advanced and highly effective treatment, they are not for everyone. In order to be a candidate for dental implants, patients must first have sufficient bone structure to support the placement of the implant. In the event that a patient does not have sufficient bone structure, an oral surgeon will perform a bone graft procedure prior to the implant placement. Patients who suffer from gum disease or gingivitis should also have this condition treated before implants are placed. Finally, it is important for dental implants candidates to understand that dental implants require strict oral hygiene; failure to follow the dentists’ instructions can result in complications and other oral health issues.
The Dental Implants Procedure
Dental implants placement is a comprehensive procedure which takes place over several months and several dental appointments. The first appointment is a surgical appointment during which the titanium implants are placed in the jaw. After the implants have been placed, a patient must fully recover from surgery before the next step of the dental implants procedure is performed. Patients who undergo this procedure may experience minor pain and discomfort in the days after the initial surgery. This can be treated with pain medication as prescribed by the surgeon. During this time, the implant actually begins to fuse to the bone during a process known as osseo-integration. Patients may have one or several follow-up visits during this period so that the restorative doctor can monitor their oral health and the healing process. Once osseo-integration is complete, patients can have the final restorations placed on the implant. The doctors will either place implant-supported dental bridges or dental crowns, depending on the patient’s specific needs, to create a natural-looking smile.
